FAQs about living with a host in Portland

Is an ANDEO homestay the best option for me?

Are you looking forward to practicing your English, engaging with your host family, and understanding U.S. culture? If so, a homestay might be a good option for you! If you are looking for housing less than 30 minutes away from your school and it’s important to check out your room before moving in, the dorms or an apartment may be a better option.

What are the prerequisites for this program?

This program is open to students aged 18 and up who are enrolled at a Portland area college, university, or English language school. You should have basic English skills so you can have conversations with your host. You should also be interested in other cultures and ready to participate in your host's everyday life (e.g household chores, grocery shopping, cooking meals, visiting friends and family). Being flexible about new experiences, foods, and ways of communicating is important, as well as having the maturity to travel independently and adapt to new situations.

Who should not apply for this program?

Students who are currently experiencing excessive behavior problems, drug or alcohol dependence or abuse, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, or other psychological disorders that might interfere with the program, or students who have experienced any of these issues within the past year should not apply. Likewise, we cannot accept students with life-threatening allergies. We also cannot accept students who have multiple requests for a specific kind of home, household members, or lifestyle.

How soon will I be able to move in to my homsetay?

It can take a few weeks to find a host family. We will not be able to promise a homestay within a few days or even a week. The best thing to do is submit your completed application and let us know your preferred homestay start date. Extra fees apply for students who want a homestay as soon as possible.

When will I receive information about my host?

In most circumstances, you’ll receive host family information 1 to 2 weeks prior to your homestay start date. However, in some cases it might be just a few days before you start.

Why does it take so long to get host family information?

Most hosts lead busy lives. Many people like the idea of cultural exchange, but are hesitant to take the plunge. It takes time to find just the right host who is willing to open their home and share their daily lives with an international student. Students with pet allergies, or dietary restrictions, or who smoke sometimes make the search take longer. We don’t inform you of your placement until a host has been screened and all the details have been confirmed.

Regardless of when you receive your host information, you can be confident that the host has been screened, prepared, and is ready to receive you!

Can I choose my own host family?

No. ANDEO processes host applications and we will do our best to find a host that is a good match for you. The day that you move in will be the first time that you meet your host and see their home.

What is the host screening process like?

ANDEO staff network to find hosts who are interested in including an international student in their household conversations and activities. We check references and visit hosts in their homes. Some hosts have hosted more than once; for others, this will be their first hosting experience.

How are hosts prepared?

Hosts receive comprehensive orientation materials that include topics like: how to prepare for a student’s visit, how to help a student feel at home, warning signs of culture shock, what do do in case of emergency, etc. ANDEO staff is also available to answer any questions they have.

Will my host live within walking distance of my school?

No. Most hosts don’t live near campus. You will be placed in a homestay within 60 minutes of your school by public transportation. The average commute is 30-60 minutes, and we cannot guarantee a shorter commute.

Is transportation included in the homestay fees?

No. Students are responsible for their own transportation. Most schools offer discounted bus passes, so be sure to check there first!

What are my responsibilities before beginning my homestay?

You will need to submit your application and payments on time, be accepted to a Portland area college, university or English school, obtain medical insurance valid in the USA, and prepare for the experience using the orientation materials we share with you.

What if I want to change my homestay?

This rarely happens. If you have a problem in your homestay, please speak with your contact at ANDEO. We will work to solve the problem, and can decide if moving to a new host family is the best option.

What is your cancellation policy?

ANDEO will refund students who have applied for the term program their 2-week cancellation fee if the student cancels more than 2-weeks before the planned start date. ANDEO will refund students on the monthly program their last 2-weeks deposit if they give ANDEO and their host 2-weeks notice before leaving the homestay. For all students, if you end the homestay early, ANDEO will refund unused homestay fees if the student has given ANDEO and their host at least 2-weeks notice.